Cut Straight to Our Hearts

For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
-- Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

God's Holy Word is very clear, even compared with a double-edged sword for its sharp penetration into our lives.

Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. -- 2 Timothy 3:16 (CEV)

Here's a passage from the Old Testament Book of Wisdom, Proverbs, that is about as clear, sharp, and penetrating as one can imagine:

(20) Obey the teaching of your parents--
(21) always keep it in mind and never forget it.
(22)Their teaching will guide you when you walk, protect you when you sleep, and talk to you when you are awake.
(23)The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly. Correction and self-control will lead you through life.
(24) They will protect you from the flattering words of someone else's wife.
(25) Don't let yourself be attracted by the charm and lovely eyes of someone like that.
(26) A woman who sells her love can be bought for as little as the price of a meal. But making love to another man's wife will cost you everything.
(27) If you carry burning coals, you burn your clothes;
(28) if you step on hot coals, you burn your feet.
(29) And if you go to bed with another man's wife, you pay the price.
-- Proverbs 6:20-29 (CEV)

Lord, let Your Holy Word cut straight to our hearts that we might be saved from all sin and shame. We ask it in the name of "The Word Who became flesh and made His dwelling among us" -- Jesus, the Christ. Amen. (John 1:14)

Count it all joy.
Grateful